PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE: 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
2010-11 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Welcome to the 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors. This document represents an attempt to showcase the great stories of the most recent collegiate swimming and diving season. Given the effort required to be successful in our sport, it is important that this body of work accurately represent those exceptional efforts by the athletes as well as all involved. Once again, there is much to cover as it was an eventful year in our sport. This venture, now in its third year, will continue to evolve and improve with time and greater effort. Additional writers are included to provide their
own perspective on what happened in and around the water this season. And as we go forward, a constant objective will be to further increase participation and expand coverage to Front Cover; Megan Lafferty, Maryland. (Tim make this the most Binning/TheSwimPictures.com.) complete documentation Above; JMU celebrates a team victory at the possible. Please consider 2012 Colonial Athletic Association Championship this your invitation to meet on the campus of George Mason University. contribute to the next (JMU athletics) Center; retired Coach Powers, a US Veteran, publication in 2012-13. We stepped down after 37 years with BYU.
welcome your content and will be happy to include you in the process. In closing, feel very free to provide your comments, ideas, and suggestions. Go Swimming & Diving! Bill Roberts, editor
Table of Contents Introduction!! ! 2011-12 Honorees ! Voting Comparison !
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3-4 5-43 44-50 “Wisdom in the Weight Room� 51-52 Well said in 2012 ! ! ! 53 Career Improvement! 54 Extra items! ! ! 55 to learn more, visit www.collegeswimmingawards.com
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2010-11 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Introduction: An NCAA sell-out What you expect from a coach as you get into sports. Upon reading a recent story in Sports Illustrated on wrestling coach and former Indiana All American wrestler, Mike Powell, he is quoted before every meet with "Character, boys, that's all it's ever been about, all it will ever be about and all it's about tonight." The author, Chris Ballard, brilliantly compiles consistent accounts of Powell’s living example. In presenting this message to his team on a regular basis, he is after all doing what we expect of any coach. Powell is a former NCAA athlete too Each time he addresses his team pre-match, Coach Mike Powell is also professing the one of the primary virtues of the intercollegiate experience; character. Mike Powell gets it. So do the 400,000 athletes who are graduating and going “pro” in something else get it. However, there are a lot of associated people who simply don’t get it. Character and it’s virtuous siblings are words too often overused and abused in the form of shields by those who are the antithesis of character. If it supposed to be about character. One of the stories of the past year is the poor decision-making lacking all character which are indirectly jeopardizing the entire enterprise of collegiate athletics....or at least the notion that it is an amateur versus professional sports organization. There was no lack of news last spring and summer as one high profile football program after another was linked multiple investigations with
unfortunate findings of significant violations. Despite new names being cited, the headlines actually were similar to the major scandals of previous seasons. (August 2011; August Yahoo Sports! headline: Renegade Miami football booster spells out illicit benefits to players. July 2010; ESPN headline: Sources; NCAA investigating North Carolina Tar Heels‘ Football program. NYT March 2009: NCAA Penalizes Florida State for Academic Fraud. Of the 2011 scandals, the problem was not only were the actual scandals themselves but the frequency at which they were appearing. Enough action took place last summer that ESPN even posted a commentary titled the 2011 Offseason Scandal Power Rankings (see DJ Gallo, June 30, 2011.) Interestingly the author left a place holder in the tenth spot stating that someone will come along to crack the list. Looking back, the only error the author made was not leave the top spot open versus the tenth now knowing what was about to unfold in November out of the flagship university for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Why did Miami drop Men’s Swimming & Diving again? The sophistication of college athletics probably rivals anything that existed in professional sports prior to the start of the 21st century. Resources including athletic and strength training, staffing and marketing are just some of the elements of an exponentially greater commitment to being athletically competitive. Expectations and pressure to succeed are at a premium.
The NCAA very early in the rule book spells out Principles for Conduct of Intercollegiate Athletics prior to defining the association’s rules. The rulebook seems to mirror what has become of college athletics as we define these rules early and then move on or better yet, move around them very quickly. However, those who dominate the headlines often are those who are either winning at a very high level OR are violating some of the first rules listed in the book. The problem becomes far-reaching when you get an athletic department that allocates a ton of money for a single team that is suppose to; 1. Win and be successful. 2. Provide a financial return on the initial investment. 3. Conduct themselves according to the NCAA rules. For example, the University of Miami invests roughly 17 million dollars for a team in 2011 that produces a record of 6-6 with no season ending bowl game and a scandal that included a booster providing significant funding to benefit both players and staff (source: 2/24/12, businessofcollegesports.com ) Needed: a marketing team for collegiate swimming & diving. We need to make collegiate swimming and diving exciting and relevant with one of the first objectives being a sold out national championship. A lot of other steps can be taken to further improve the status of swimming and diving in the eyes of people who are not swimmers and divers, coaches and fans. However, how can you not walk away... continued on next page
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Introduction: continued... ...from an Olympic Trials every four years and feel that this is the type of event that our collegiate national meets should be like. Certainly you could argue that the NCAA Championships will never command that type of draw and attention. One event is once every four years, the NCAA meet takes place multiple times a year across four divisions. However, the point is that the Trials is an event just as other national championships in other NCAA sponsored sports. Best in Sport for 2011-12. Some of the most impressive athletics accomplishments will still continue to occur whether the stands are full or not. However, we have a great opportunity to hopefully inspire future collegiate athletes if we can successfully market this thing. Not everyone needs to be part of the mechanism for marketing. A dedicated team of people can make this happen with buy-in from all. Yet, it is a hat everyone must wear constantly if we want a the next Shelley Harper of California to not only make incredible gains as an athlete but become a central figure in the making of a championship program. Working with a vast and bright population for up to four years, It is an idea that we should groom our student-athletes into as part of being a member of the sport. In doing so, an athlete can become an icon for other swimmers and divers.! We should view first time national qualifiers who scored such as Jonathan Christensen, Brendan McHugh and Tommy Glenn did out of
the Ivy league in 2012 as inspirational stories. Protecting the great moments of the future. 2011-12 saw a school that was once a prominent player at the top of their conference and a regular participant at the NCAA level cease to exist. Two coaches, including the head coach, were alum and Syracuse University still could not find a way to make it work. This is not supposed to be the end result of the collegiate athletic process. Until administrators in a leadership role take the same approach as wrestling Coach Powell does with his athletes and begin prioritizing character over dollars, we are going to keep reading the same pathetic headlines for years to come. Until these same people begin to realize that the the end result, the true profit of this venture is a better person with stronger internal values, we are going to sadly see more storied programs go the same way as Clemson did in 2012. An “NCAA sell out” should not be about super-conferences and changing rules to keep up with boosters and renegade programs. An NCAA sell out should be the goal of the entire swimming & diving community and viewed as a commitment towards securing a better future for the sport. This one step does not solve the previous problems cited. However, filling the stands is a crucial step towards being able to market the sport appropriately and in a useful way to improve the current climate. Go Swimming & Diving
4 Pictured from top; Alaska-Fairbanks NCAA t-shirt, Nova Southeastern wins both Conference meets, Gregg Parini takes another splash in 2012, Grand Canyon University’s Brian Morrison, FIU’s Johanna Gustafsdottir (photo: John Meara.)
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Female Break Out Athlete
Scores in three events at 2012 NCAA meet
Shelley Harper, SR California-Berkeley
Placed at 1st D2 NCAAs
Bente Heller, SO Alaska Fairbanks
1st OT qualifier for JMU
Kelsey Holmgaard, SO James Madison
“And Your Top Qualifiers”
Huge drop in 200 BR in ’12
Also nominated and Also nominated and very very worthy of worthy of national national recognition, recognition, these these programs made programs made the top 8 the top 8 for their for their overall outstanding overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12. achievements in 2011-12.
Gisselle Kohoyda, SO Louisville University
Leads Lions into top 25
Kate Meili, JR Columbia University
D3 100 Free Champion
13th at 1st NCAA meet
200 FR American Record
Kellie Pennington, SO Springfield College
Brye Ravettine, SO Liberty University
Megan Romano, JR University of Georgia
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Female Break Out Athlete Stephanie Peacock
by Mike Litzinger She wasn’t very excited about the prospect of swimming the 1650 Free. As a matter of fact, she volunteered to swim the 200 Fly at the 2011 ACC Championships instead. It was that uncomfortable kind of conversation, where you know deep down the better option, but you talk yourself into another one, trying to make it work…..it didn’t….never does. After a solid freshman campaign and posting an ACC Record 4:36.86 in the 500 Free, the 2011 NCAA Championships looked to be Peacock’s coming out party. As it turned out, due to a rib injury and the toll of the long season, Peacock posted a relatively mortal 4:41.09 in her signature event, good for 15th place.
However, the 2011-12 season would be different, it had to be. In April of 2011, during the midst of rehab, Coach Rich DeSelm began prepping Peacock for what would be an unlikely scenario. “We all knew she had more to show.” commented DeSelm. Get ready for a full schedule of NCAA events, focusing on the 500, working the 200 for speed, and the 1000/1650 for endurance. While not 43 6
Tim Binning/Theswimpictures.com
completely wild about the plan, Stephanie (who is extremely coachable) agreed. Never completely training like a traditional miler, Peacock developed both strength and speed, and uncannily honed in on consistent pace work. The sign that all pistons were firing was a 16:14.61/1:49.00 double win performance vs Virginia Tech in November. The 1650 Free was not looking like so much of a stretch…the key was her next 1650 would not be until the ACC Championships in February. That performance yielded a 15:46.12 and a 3 seed at the NCAA Championships. The real test was yet to come in March, at Auburn, against seven of the county’s best. continued on page 9
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Male Break Out Athlete
Tremendous first season
No luck needed for this Irish swimmer
Excellent time drops en route to NCAA record
Kevin Cordes, FR University of Arizona
Frank Dyer, SO Notre Dame
Martin Grodzki, JR University of Georgia
“And Your Top Qualifiers� Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12. NCAA Champion: 200 Fly
NCAA Champ: 3m Dive
William Hamilton, FR California-Berkeley
Kristian Ipsen, FR Stanford University
Big10 Champion: 50 Free
Blazing fast :19.06 50 FR
Jason Schnur, JR Ohio State University
Indian River State College
Brad Tandy, 43 7
1st trip to NCAAs in 2012
Michael Weiss, JR University of Wisconsin
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Male Break Out Athlete Tom Glenn
by Mike Litzinger
Brown University Sports Information
His career started out like most. Age group swimming. Steady improvement. Rapid improvement his senior year of High School. He decided to take a look at where his brother went to college. Liked the academics, new pool on the horizon, easy for the family, good fit, and just like that he is a swimming in the Ivy League. What Tommy Glenn didn’t bank on was the unlikely event of becoming an elite 200 Butterfly swimmer in the NCAA. Coach Peter Brown describes Glenn as a “very disciplined” in his approach to training. While at
with the relentless passion to excel. Earlier this season, Coach Brown gave the group a 5,000 yard swim for time….Tommy Glenn did it Butterfly. Enough said.
Brown Glenn was able to take advantage of strength training, and focused competition in the practice pool. Coach Brown was quick to credit Tommy’s background in the age group pool as well. Swimming for John Carroll’s Jersey Wahoos, gave him an enormous background, along 43 8
Flash forward to the 2012 Ivy League Championships. Glenn exploded with two individual championship performances in the 100 Fly clocking a :46.73 and the 200 Fly turning in a 1:43.68. He also set Brown University marks as in those events, as well as the 400 Medley Relay. His performances vaulted him in to elite company in 2012. Next up, the U.S. Olympic Trials. continued on next page
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Break Out Athletes continued Stephanie Peacock continued,
At the NCAA’s it became an examination of her unorthodox preparation. Peacock put her skeletons to rest in the 500 Free swimming a 4:35.52(4:35.02 in prelims) good for a bronze. Endurance test, passed. Her 200 Free clocked in at a 1:45.79. Speed test, passed. Now it was time for a gut check. The 1650 Free. The race began, with the favorites hitting the lead quickly. USC’s Haley Anderson, and UGA’s Wendy Trott and Amber McDermott came in as the favorites. Steadily the race took shapeHistorically, The Tar Heels have had some great distance swimming, and 3 years ago Whitney Sprague had the 1650 in
hand, until Georgia’s Wendy Trott stole it away with a huge kick and a blazing last 50. After 1000 irony came into play, as it was Peacock in the lead and Trott chipping away each 50. Only this time Peacock’s exercise in repetition, holding :28 lows set the table and Trott was unable to complete the comeback. Final time: 15:38.79. The excitement was doubled as Peacock claimed UNC’s first individual championship in 9 years, Maybe the 200 Fly isn’t such a but broke a 22 year old record set good idea? by distance legend Janet Evans. She later received a congratulatory text from Evans, with a simple response…”I am so happy!” The performance was a true breakout as Peacock had not swum a mile in 2009, 2010 or 2011.
Glenn continued from page 8
Recently, Glenn was asked about his competitive habits. Most were standard quotes: ”I just wanted to help build a fantastic team.”…or “It is so awesome to be a part of the success we are having.” However when asked about his meet preparation, Glenn came back with the fact that he likes to bolster his finals performances with a pre-game meal of a Big Mac, Chicken Sandwich, and Large Strawberry Shake. Unlikely fuel, but for Tommy Glenn, it just might be enough. 43 9
Mike Litzinger is a graduate of Hobart College in Geneva, New York. He is currently the Associate Head Coach for the University of North Carolina.
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Career Improvement- Female
100 BK: :58.64 to :52.12
Kelsey Conci, SR University of Wyoming
Multiple NCAA event winner in 2012
Erin Dolan, SR Drury University
Superb progression for career
Margaux Farrell, SR Indiana University
“And Your Top Qualifiers� Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12. Excellent drops in all events.
100 FR: :55.95 to :49.34
Melissa Gates, SR California U. of PA
100 BR: 1:09.56 to :59.61
Laura Lindsay, SR University of Toledo
Shelley Harper, SR California-Berkeley
100 FR: :53.87 to :48.34
Time drops in every event for every season.
Stephanie North, SR Boise State
Allysa Vavra, SR Indiana University
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Career Improvement- Female Jennifer Connolly
Tim Binning/Theswimpictures.com
Within the swimming and diving class of 2012, multiple female athletes could be featured on this page. There was nothing short of an awesome group of seniors who progressed in outstanding fashion. As freshmen back in 2008-09, this class faced the challenge of exceeding times from now banned suits. And though they had three seasons to make further
improvements, Class of 2012 still had to adjust and build upon what was for most a remarkable season back in 2008-09. " Jennifer Connolly was an exceptional member on a Lady Vols team that had an exceptional season. Her career progression covering four events is remarkable. Competing in an elite conference, she and her coach diligently worked towards continual improvement. In one of her marquee events, the 100 butterfly, she had a perfect progression en route to a first and third place finish at the SEC and NCAA Championship meets respectively. Connolly arrived at Knoxville as one of the top recruits in the nation. To not only sustain but improve as she 43 11
did for another four years against the best in competition is far more difficult that she made it appear. Perhaps she said it best on her formula for improvement following a blazing third day at the SEC champs; "I was a little bit nervous that I wasn't going to be able to top last year because it was such an adrenaline rush," Connolly said. "Matt wanted me to just have fun and take it one race at a time and if that happened, the fast swimming will come."
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Career Improvement- Male
Last Swim, Best Swim: 200 BR NCAA Champion
Carlos Almeida, SR University of Louisville
200 Backstroke NCAA D3 record set in 2012
Robert Barry, SR Denison University
Places in 1st NCAA meet
Jonathan Christensen Princeton University
“And Your Top Qualifiers� Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12. Big 10 Champion: 200 BK
1650 American Record in final collegiate swim
Andrew Elliott, SR Ohio State University
Chad LaTourette, SR Stanford University
100 BR: :56.25 to :51.63
Nolan Koon, SR California-Berkeley
Scores at 1st NCAA meet as a senior.
Brendan McHugh, SR
University of Pennsylvania 43 12
50 Free: :21.26 to :19.38
Zachary Turk, SR Kenyon College
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Career Improvement Male
Tim Binning/Theswimpictures.com
Drew modrov
by Chris DeSantis Improvement in swimming and diving is a hard thing to measure. On the surface, it looks easy- see how far the times go down or scores go up and compare. That's far too simple. Every coach and athlete knows that the better an athlete is, the harder it is for them to improve. Therefore, to be "most improved" an athlete must both have improved by a wide margin but also to a very high level. ! Of the male swimming and diving athletes who finished their eligibility in 2012, no swimmer improved more and to a higher level than Drew Modrov over his career at both Rider and Auburn. Modrov's career improvement in
the 50 freestyle took him average D1 prospect (20.91) to NCAA elite (19.32). He improved just as much in his 100 free over his college career (46.31 to 42.90). In the 200 free, he entered college at a time that wouldn't final in many Division 3 conference meets (1:46.10) and left as a key relay contributor on a top ten Division 1 squad.! ! To put Modrov's improvement into perspective, Modrov's final 50 time represented 92% of his entering time and helped him qualify 8th in that event the 2012 NCAA Championships. A comparable improvement for the 8th place qualifier in the 500 free (4:16.27) would have meant that 43 13
they entered college north of 4:36 in that event. Modrov would likely have been a contender for this award had he not improved beyond his junior season, but he improved every year in every one of his major events. His massive improvement, the level he got to, and his constant progress all earned him the career most improved honor.
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Female Break Out Teams Top 20 NCAA finish
1st MWC Championship
Univ, of Alaska-Fairbanks Coach Scott Lemley
Boise State University Coach Kristin Hill
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12.
Excellent Sun Belt meet
Florida International U. Coach Randy Horner Top 15 NCAA finish in’12
Dominating Big East performance in 2012
University of Louisville Coach Arthur Albiero
Nova Southeastern U. Coach Bonewit-Cron
Almost in top ten at NCAA
Top ten finish with 262 points at NCAA
One step away from top 25
Springfield College Coach John Taffe
Texas A&M University Coach Steve Bultman
West Virginia University Coach Vic Riggs 14
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Female Break Out Teams Tennessee
Tennessee Media Relations
The University of Tennessee women’s swimming and diving program put together nothing less than a fantastic and historic season during 2011-12. On every level, Coach Matt Kredich’s Lady Vols were even better than in previous seasons where high, high level of achievement was already the norm on Rocky Top. Within the dual meet season, Tennessee was magnificent every step of the way. Competing against several ranked opponents from multiple conferences, the Lady Vols were assured of quality competition and racing in each dual meet; a measure that no doubt made them the team that they were during championships. There only dual meet defeat of the year was a late January back and forth
battle with then #1 Georgia. Racing and performing the way they did on the road against the number one team, it is difficult to consider this defeat in the win-loss column a loss. The meet served as a preface to what they accomplished the following week against SEC power Florida where the Lady Vols won for the first time ever. In addition to the historic win, how often do you see a team compete
against the number one and two ranked teams in the land on consecutive weekends? Again another opportunity that was recognized and used to best prepare athletes for the 2012 championships. As the host of their conference meet in February, the Lady Vols did not disappoint as they put together another historic performance. En route to collecting several of the major awards for the meet, Tennessee put together their best SEC finish in over two decades. This was also significant as UT vaulted from a previous best of fourth place passed third and right to the second place position in the SEC. Tennessee would move to the ultimate test offered in the collegiate
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Break Out Team Female Break Out Team-continued swimming and diving season to perform similarly. Competing at the 2012 NCAA Championships in Auburn was an experienced and competitionready team from Knoxville. As they had been all season long, Tennessee’s relays continued to produce which helped this program overall point total at the meet. When the final swimmer touched the wall to complete the 400 Free Relay, the Lady Vols had again accomplished what they had not done in a long time with their seventh place finish. Though it is possible to find a small number of program’s with similar achievement at the top of Division I swimming and diving, it is more difficult to find the team that put together this many historic performances in such a short span of the 2011-12 season. To do so at such a high level with little room for error makes their results even more remarkable. Congratulations for being recognized as this year’s Break Out Team for Women’s Swimming & Diving. You had terrific success this season. Are there any key moments, periods of time or experiences within the past year that were critical to your 2012 championship success? MK: We had great leadership from all classes this season, but I have to start by highlighting our entire senior class. This is a very diverse group, each of whom faced some really tough emotional struggles during their time at Tennessee. They each also had to at some point find their way back to swimming or diving. We started with ten and ended with ten,
which is a small miracle in itself, but is a great indicator of their love for and commitment for the team. Every one of them that qualified for the meet are still swimming through Olympic Trials, which again is a great indicator of their love for swimming. We do a pretty comprehensive end of the year evaluation of our program, where I meet with each athlete so I can get a sense of their experience – what they learned, what the highlights and lowlights were, and what my staff and I can do better. Almost every person mentioned one particular meeting we had when they first believed that we could compete for both SEC and NCAA Championships. We broke up into event groups, so the breaststrokers, IM'ers, sprint free, etc each had from 3-5 people in a group. Their assignment was to study the event, looking at past results from SEC's and NCAA's in depth, and then reporting back to the team on how many finalists and consolation finalists they felt like we could have. I told them to be a step down from being really ambitious, in other words this wasn’t a goal as much as an honest assessment of what we could do if we had really good meets. !They did a great job of it, each person reported to the group and we let the team challenge them. I even took away one or two spots from them to make it more "realistic". As they did so I filled in a grid on my computer, which was on the big display in the team room. Next to each event I would place a number in the "big final" or "consolation final"
column. What they didn’t see was that the spreadsheet was totaling the points (14 for big final, four for consols). !I showed them the point total it has taken to win each meet in the past 4 years. I then asked them how many points they thought this would add up to. They guessed about 550 for SEC's and 200 for NCAA's, in other words a little bit better than we had done in the past. I then pulled up the screen that showed them that they had in fact predicted 750 SEC and 320 NCAA points, both totals that would put us within reach in most years of a title. They were completely silent. They then tried to figure out where they might be wrong, and I realized in that moment that they could not retreat into their old idea of who we were. They were staring the "new team" !right in the face, and within a few moments they were believers. It was really cool. At the 2010 CSCAA convention in Baltimore, you told a great story about the difference in getting up at 4:45 am and 5:00am before practice. " You also spoke about the individual coaching sessions you did with your athletes. "I think overall you made a great point about the importance of one’s approach and how the little things, the daily things add up. "Your approach has clearly worked at every stop for you going back to Richmond and Brown; A Kredich coached team comes ready to race and compete at championships. " That said, what are some of the steps you took with your team this season that led to your program’s success in 2012?
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Break Out Team Female Coach Matt Kredich interview understand that every part of practice continued. has an intended effect and I want First of all, I'm always happy to them to take ownership over making share. I think the most important part that happen. This creates of coaching is somehow getting your engagement. The final piece is that I athletes to a place emotionally and want them to feel that through the way mentally where practice is effective. they practice, !they are thoroughly When I decide what time to get up in prepared for each race so that they the morning, I basically have to can turn their thinking brain off and imagine myself being at my best from simply compete based on their habits. the time practice begins to the time This lets them transcend their own practice ends. I have to be well fed, insecurities and connect with the fully awake, and goals of the physically ready team, which Almost every person (I have to they really stretch). The love to do. mentioned one particular minute I engage We do very meeting we had when they with the athletes small group first believed that we could I'm on some practices level directing several times compete for both SEC & them. The same in January NCAA Championships. goes for them. and February. Coach Matt Kredich, The minute This lets the practice begins, coaches take University of Tennessee if they are ready individuals to engage with through some the practice fully, that practice will portions of a practice with a lot of most likely have the intended effect on feedback so we can get a better them. How do we get them to fully sense of where that individual is in the engage? Well, that is a question I'm way they're thinking about their continuously asking. Some of the events. It may be a race pace practice ways we do it. 15 minutes before or a skill based practice but we want practice begins, everyone is together to have a chance to talk with them doing something. We have several individually so we can make a real different cards that the captains use to assessment of how they're doing. direct a land based warm-up, but to This year we made a commitment me the most important part is that to becoming better on turns. We broke they connect. The second thing we do the turn down into 7 different skills is try to communicate the purpose and and worked on each one individually. goals of the practice. We don’t have to We looked for a way to measure each go into deep explanation every day skill, and the ones that were effectively because there is a lot of repetition in measurable we worked on repeatedly. swimming, but I do want them to We got better in that process, and I
really think that that continued focus will help us be better on walls in the future. I keep also evolving the way I think about strokes, I try to place a high demand for excellent repetitions onto the swimmers, and so I thought that helped us swim really well this year.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Training at Tennessee Monday, January 16, 2012 PM SC Race Pace 300 loosen swim Kick 3 x 100 – 25 1 leg/25 2 legs (best strokes) 2 x [3 x 75 descend 1-3 @ 1:20, 3 x 25 desend 1-3 @ 30 – last one sprint!] Freestyle 4 x 50 1 arm – 25 submerged/25 on surface @ 50 2 x 100 build into every turn – attack! @ 1:20 4 x 50 straight arm catch-up – 25 submerged/ 25 on surface @ 50 2 x 100 build into every turn – attack! @ 1:30 2000 Breaststrokers (1150) 4 x 75 – 25 kick on back/25 pull with flutter kick/25 swim LONG @ 10 SR 2 x 50 - 0/45/90 drill @ 15 SR 6 x 25 – odd fast pull, even swim or pull with lowest possible stroke count @ 35 3 x 200 breaststroke descend 1-3 @ 3:30 Freestylers and backstrokers Set TT at 200 tempo 8 x 25, alternate 2 at 2 beeps per stroke, 2 at 200 tempo @ 30 4 x 125 swim – HR 25-26 @ 1:40 L&M move to 2nd set, everyone else 12 x 50 – 1 easy @ 50, 2 faster @ 40 descend faster pairs. 1300
Part I MOST PEOPLE (IM’ers choose a stroke, other exceptions below) 1 x dive 50 @ 50 2 x push 50 @ 1 min 1 x 100 push Lindsay 1 x 200 dive – aim for 55.9 on 2nd 100, 1:49 overall @ 2:30 3 x 100 at 500 pace @ 1:20 extra 10 or so 1 x 200 as fast as possible – aim for sub 56 on last 100 Lindsay after first one 200 loosen – free and back 3 x 50 fast kick @ 50 2 rounds 6 x 50 descend in pairs @ 40 100 easy back/breast 3 x 100 – hold 1:01 as easily as possible @ 1:10 4 x 25 1 easy/1 fast! @ 30 Molly Loftus 1 x 200 – taking out the 500 6-8 x 100 @ 1:20 hold 1:00
Lindsay & Molly – 3 rounds 3 x 100 at 1:01/1:05 @ 1:10 3 x 50 faster @ 40 rest 20 2050 Butterflyers & IM’ers 4 x 25 – half stroke with buoy 2 x 100 – 25 1 arm/25 swim with low stroke count 20 x 50 1 drill @ 50/2 swim @ 40 x 4, low stroke count, descend pairs (IM’ers 3 each stroke, breaststroke @ 50) last 8 @ 50 – 1 moderate, 1 faster, descend to something fast. Keep stroke count low. 1300
Atlantis 3 x 25 descend to 100 pace then 2 rounds 1 x 25 dive 2 x 25 push at 100 speed note: A special thank you to Coach Matt Kredich for sharing this work out with us to publish this year.
Part II 200 people 1 x 100 dive FAST – take a chance! 2 x 50 pace 1 x 100 dive FAST!!!
Lindsay 1 x 50 dive 3 x 50 pace 1 x 100 FAST – goal 2nd 100 (went 52.9)
4 x 75 – 25 build/25 drill/25 swim perfect (stroke you just did) 4 x 25 – odd – 12.5 sprint, even build to sprint finish or turn 1000
100 people 1 x 25 dive fast 3 x 25 push fast 1 – 2 x 50 – goal = 2nd 50 of 100.
Medicine 200 easy/build by 25 4 x 50 freestyle strong @ 40 4 x 50 kick 2 fast, 1 easy, 1 fast
LG & ML- 8000 Free/Fly/ IM / BR – approx. 6000
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Break Out Teams Male Top 30 NCAA
Repeat Champions
California-Berkeley Coach Dave Durden
Impressive Big East & NCAA meets in 2012
finish
Powerful NCAA meet
Denison University Coach Gregg Parini
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12.
Notre Dame University Coach Tim Welsh
Duke University Coach Dan Colella First conference title
Nova Southeastern U. Coach Bonewit-Cron Another move at the conference & NCAA
Moved into top 3 of CAA
Top NCAA finish since ’02
Penn State University Coach John Hargis
University of Indianapolis Coach Gary Kinkead
College of William & Mary Coach Matt Crispino NCAA 19
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Break Out Team Male
Louisville Looking at the progression of Coach Arthur Albiero and the Louisville Cardinals Swimming and Diving program, one could argue that this program has already had it’s break out moment or season based on the amount of success they have experienced this decade. Upon arrival, Albiero’s impact has been made prevalent as Louisville has marched from a conference to national level program during his nine seasons as head swimming coach. Just in the past three seasons, you can look back and easily say, “yes , we saw this coming.” Louisville has been able to very effectively replace great swimmers with new ones. This is not a team that has peaked temporarily. This is team who
did have a benchmark season by breaking into the top ten at NCAA’s, yet is poised for more in future seasons. In 2011-12, Albiero credited his seniors for their leadership throughout their exciting journey to their top ten finish. “We were fortunate to have a solid senior class. !This group of nine men played many different roles throughout the season, but certainly
Tim Binning/theswimpictures.com
the team goal was at the forefront of everything they did.” In addition to the experience of season’s worth of training and competition, there are a few pivotal moments worth citing all revolving around a single question. Back at the 2011 NCAA meet in Minneapolis, MN and again at the beginning of the 2011-12 season, Coach Albiero asked the right question at the right time which had a catalytic effect on his team not just in the fact that they did achieve the mark, but in the way they trained and performed without fear. Says assistant coach and Louisville alum Chris Lindauer, “from that day forward, we never let that goal out of our sights.” ...See the next page for more on the question & Louisville.... NCAA 20
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Coach Arthur Albiero, Louisville PIE: You had some terrific moments to our team vision, and they are throughout this past season. !Can extremely loyal to our athletes, to our you talk about the leaders within university, to me, and maybe more your program? ! importantly, to our program mission. !I We were fortunate to have a solid would be remise not to mention, our senior class. !This group of nine men support staff including our Sports played many different roles throughout Performance Coach Jason Dierking, the season, but certainly the team our Athletic Trainer Zach Brown, our goal was at the forefront of everything fifth year coach Therese Bergstrom, they did. !Senior Captains Riley Martin our massage therapist Mike Purvis, (Paris, KY), Kenny Crapse (Columbus, our Sports Information Director Nancy IN), and Pedro Oliveira (Rio Maior, Worley, and our team managers Portugal (Morgan provided great MacGregor, balance, along David Deyer, with Carlos Johanna Yum, Almeida (Lisbon, Jordan Portugal), Hartman). !I Tim Collins (New am honored Albany, OH), to work Brendon alongside a Andrews (West phenomenal Coach Arthur Albiero, Palm Beach,FL), group of Adam Isaacs people. University of Louisville (Edgewood, KY), Clayton Coleman PIE: Are there (Allentown, PA), and Scott Gunter any steps or specific experiences (Jacksonville, FL) that your leaders (or entire team) PIE: What was the impact of the went through that led to a Louisville staff on the success of spectacular Big East meet and 9th the program this season? " place finish at the NCAA meet? I honestly feel I have the best staff At the end of the 2011 NCAA meet in the country! !Karin Olmsted (nine where we finished 17th, we had a years), Ryan Wochomurka (five years), discussion on deck as we were Rachel Komisarz Baugh (three years watching the Trophy Presentation, full-tme, two as a volunteer), Chris along the lines of "why couldn't we be Lindauer (three years) are great people a top-10 team at the 2012 NCAA first and foremost. !We work very well Meet". !We swam well at Big East with together and they all play crucial roles a clear focus of setting ourselves up at for our program. !They bring different NCAA by qualifying the greatest skill sets on a daily basis and we all possible number of individuals to benefit from each other's ideas and represent us in Seattle. knowledge. !They are fully committed
“Why couldn’t we be a top ten team at the 2012 NCAA meet?”
Considering that over the years, we have had a strong culture of "we swam our very best at NCAAs", we felt we had our best opportunity in front of us. The significant moment for me, came at the end of the Big East Meet. ! Our focus as a team was clear on becoming a top-10 team, and the guys got together and did a bold cheer "TOP-10". !Enough said.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Exciting Dual Meets Female Liberty @ Marshall October 22, 2011 Liberty 147 Marshall 141
James Madison U. @WVU October 29, 2011 JMU 156 West Virginia 144
Liberty defeats Marshall in a back and forth contest on the road to open the 2011-12 season. Liberty headline: “Liberty Opens Swimming Season With Win at Marshall”
“And Your Top Qualifiers” JMU wins a close final relay to take meet 156-144 in Morgantown. JMU: “Swimming and Diving Edges West Virginia 156-144 on Saturday”
Some of the exciting dual meets that took place in 2011-12. Needed: Competitive racing, excellent times for that point in the season and the occasional last relay.
#5 Arizona @ #6 Stanford January 21, 2012 Stanford 164 Arizona 136
Ohio University @ Eastern Michigan October 29, 2011 Ohio 151 EMU 149 Ohio University needs and completes a 1-2 finish in final relay to win. Ohio University: “Bobcats Edge Eagles, 151-149”
Illinois @ Nebraska January 21, 2012 Illinois 152 Nebraska 148 Illinois goes 2-3 in final relay to get by Nebraska. Illinois headline: “Illini Edge Nebraska, 152-148 Win eight events on the day.”
#6 Stanford women upsetting #5 Arizona 164-136. Stanford headline: “Duo Help Cardinal Up End Arizona. DiRado and Woodward Each Win Twice Against Wildcats”
#8 Stanford @ #1 California February 11, 2012 Stanford 174 California 126 Stanford wins the 2012 edition of "The Big Meet. Stanford headline: “Cardinal Knock Off No. 1 California in Season Finale. Three Pool Records Fall, Two by Stanford”
Oakland 129 @ Bowling Green 133 October 22, 2011 #14 Tennessee 131 @ #1 Georgia 169 Jan 28, 2012 Columbia 173 @ Princeton 127 February 10, 2012 22 Yale 149 @ Brown 151 February 11, 2012
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Most Exciting Meet Female
Women 200 Yard Breaststroke =============================================================================== Name Age School Seed Finals Points =============================================================================== 1 Hannis, Molly C 19 Tennessee-SE NT 2:14.35 9 r:+0.36 29.97 1:04.52 (34.55) 1:40.25 (35.73) 2:14.35 (34.10) 2 Luthersdottir, Hil 20 Florida-FL NT 2:14.39 4 r:+0.39 30.62 1:04.90 (34.28) 1:39.85 (34.95) 2:14.39 (34.54) 3 Rainer, Rebecca L 18 Florida-FL NT 2:14.81 3 r:+0.46 30.96 1:05.15 (34.19) 1:39.81 (34.66) 2:14.81 (35.00) 4 Gelb, Samara R 20 Tennessee-SE NT 2:14.88 2 r:+0.38 30.67 1:04.38 (33.71) 1:39.09 (34.71) 2:14.88 (35.79)
by Josh Huger January 28, 2012 Knoxville, TN Picture this: It is senior night. You are facing an opponent that you have not beaten in 25 years. That challenger is the second-ranked University of Florida, who are just two years removed from an NCAA team national title. This would be a daunting task to most, but to the University of Tennessee Women’s Swimming and
Diving team, it was just another day at the pool. The Lady Vols began the meet by honoring the nine senior members of their team. During senior night something magical seems to take place. Emotions run high. The seniors are suddenly faced with the fact that this really is the last time they will be competing in their home pool, while the other members of the team feel the need to send their friends and mentors out on the highest note possible. When this mixture of emotions and adrenaline combines, it creates the perfect formula to achieve the impossible. In the case of the Lady Vols, the word meaningful became an understatement as the perfect
combination of effort and passion was found. Throughout the meet Tennessee was able to win 12 of the 16 events, all while breaking five pool records, one Tennessee record, and attaining several NCAA B-Standards. continued on page 26
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Exciting Dual Meets Male Georgia @ Florida October 28, 2011 Georgia 150 Florida 150
#4 Grand Valley State @ #10 Univ. of Indianapolis January 21, 2012 Grand Valley State 119 Indianapolis 122 Indianapolis wins close races in the 200 Fly and 100 Free to hold on for the close win. IU headline: “SWIMMING AND DIVING SPLITS IN DUAL MEET AGAINST NO. 4 GRAND VALLEY STATE.”
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Long course meters meet that went down to last relay with many close races including diving. UF headline: “Gator Men Tie, Women Drop First Decision.”
Some of the exciting dual meets that took place in 2011-12. Needed: Competitive racing, excellent times for that point in the season and the occasional last relay.
#1 Arizona @ #3 Stanford January 21, 2012 Arizona 153 Stanford 145
#2 Texas @ #1 Arizona January 28, 2012 Arizona 155 Texas 88 Arizona shows major depth in this battle of swimming & diving titans. U.of Arizona: “Arizona Men's Swimming Remains Undefeated.”
Brown @ Cornell February 4, 2012 Brown 155 Cornell 145 Brown comes from behind on final leg of 400 Free relay to win at Teagle Hall Pool. Brown headline: “BROWN TOPS IVY LEAGUE FOE CORNELL, 155-145.”
Arizona sweeps last individual event (400IM) to get by host Stanford in PAC-12 thriller. UA headline: “Arizona Men's Swimming Conquers No. 3 Stanford”
#6 California @ #3 Stanford February 18, 2012 Stanford 146.5 California 96.5 Ultra-exciting relays at "The Big Meet.. Stanford headline: “Duo Leads Cardinal to Rout of Cal. La Tourette and Kuremsky Both Win Twice.” ”
Indiana 151 @ Tennessee 149 Minnesota 139.5 @ Iowa 160.5 Princeton 152.5 @ Navy 147.5! Alabama 148 @ #10 Georgia 152
October 22, 2011 November 4, 2011 January 7, 2012 24 January 28, 2012
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Most Exciting Meet Male Event 3 Men 200 Yard Freestyle =============================================================================== Name Age School Seed Finals Points =============================================================================== 1 Jaeger, Connor L 20 Michigan-MI NT 1:37.21 22.78 47.50 (24.72) 1:12.59 (25.09) 1:37.21 (24.62) 2 Wynalda, Michael J 19 Michigan-MI NT 1:38.00 23.11 47.77 (24.66) 1:12.85 (25.08) 1:38.00 (25.15) 3 Hill, Dax R 20 Texas-ST NT 1:38.28 23.35 48.40 (25.05) 1:13.16 (24.76) 1:38.28 (25.12) 4 Youngquist, Clay A 18 Texas-ST NT 1:38.35 22.71 47.38 (24.67) 1:12.77 (25.39) 1:38.35 (25.58) 5 Barbiere, Jimmy J 21 Indiana-IN NT 1:39.04 23.37 48.45 (25.08) 1:13.49 (25.04) 1:39.04 (25.55) 6 McNeilis, Kyle J 21 Texas-ST NT 1:39.32 23.64 48.74 (25.10) 1:13.97 (25.23) 1:39.32 (25.35) 7 Kamiya, Ryutaro 19 Michigan-MI NT 1:39.40 23.09 48.23 (25.14) 1:13.98 (25.75) 1:39.40 (25.42) 8 Willets, Roman T 20 Michigan-MI NT 1:39.54 23.37 48.67 (25.30) 1:14.58 (25.91) 1:39.54 (24.96) 9 Shedron, Tyler R 21 Indiana-IN NT 1:40.67
by Josh Huger
November 5, 2011, Ann Arbor, MI Sometimes during a meet, everything falls into place at exactly the right time. Captains step up when needed, swimmers go in season best times and the team rallies behind a common cause. Suddenly, all of the hours spent staring at the black line running down the center of your lane become worth it and all of the effort devoted to doing the right things pays
off. This was exactly the case this past November as the University of Michigan squared off against NCAA powerhouse, the University of Texas. The Wolverines entered the competition as the undefeated, defending Big 10 Champions, but the team still faced an uphill battle against the Longhorns, the 2011 NCAA runner-up, who boasted several NCAA champions from the previous season. Despite the skill of their opponent, the Wolverines proved to be up to the challenge. History has shown that in the face of adversity, teams are able to rise to the occasion and excel under the guidance of proper leadership. Michigan team captains, Dan Madwed and Dane Vanderkaay, are evidence of this.
Michigan Athletic Media Relations
“Texas is one of the best teams in the country”, Michigan Head Coach Mike Bottom said. “Truthfully, I didn’t think we could beat them until we were at a team meeting and Dan Madwed talked about how this was our home and Texas was coming into our home and that we would protect our home territory. He said that with a conviction that made me believe.”
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Most Exciting Meets continued Michigan continued from page 25 Texas began the day’s competition with a win in the 200yd medley relay, but Michigan quickly countered by winning the next five events. Things seemed to be going Coach Bottom and the Wolverines’ way, but the Longhorns are not a team easily defeated. An all-out slugfest ensued as Texas responded with a five event win streak of their own, taking the top spots in the 50yd freestyle, 3 meter diving, 100yd freestyle, 200yd backstroke, and 200yd breaststroke. It wasn’t until Michigan sophomore Kyle Whitaker came from behind in the last individual event of the meet, the men’s 200 IM, that the Wolverines were able to begin to taste victory. “Kyle stepped up and did what Kyle does when he’s working with the
team,” said Coach Bottom. “It was exciting and we were ready to go for the relay. When making the lineup we knew that we needed to put guys into positions where they could win”. In many cases wins are achieved due to a great meet lineup from the coaching staff, but in the end it comes down to the swimmers who swim the races. It takes a total team effort to accomplish what at times can seem impossible. In the final event of the meet, the 200yd freestyle relay, Michigan clenched a much needed second place finish, which secured their win. Their margin of victory? One, single point. With a Michigan victory, is the Texas vs. Michigan meet destined to become one of the next great rivalries
in college swimming? Coach Bottom seems to think so. “Eddie Reese is a cornerstone in American swimming and World swimming, so anytime that we can get a dual meet with Texas it brings us up to another level,” commented Coach Bottom. “Next year we’re going to go to their pool so I’m sure they’ll be ready for us”.
Lady Vols continued from page 23
“I think that every meet should be the culmination of everything we’ve done in the season up until that particular point,” Kredich said. “That means that every meet should be building an experience that builds on all of our past experience.” And building from experience is just what the Lady Vols proceeded to do during the rest of their season. At the 2012 Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving Championships the Lady Vols claimed second place, their highest finish in over 20 years. They then topped this accomplishment by finishing seventh at the 2012 NCAA
Championships, their best finish at the NCAA meet since 1989. With the achievements from the past season behind them, the Lady Vols look to carry their momentum as they move forward and look to upset more top ranked teams.
“I’m thrilled with the way we swam and thrilled with the way that we dove,” said University of Tennessee Head Coach Matt Kredich. “The way that our schedule is set, we face better and better teams as the year goes on. Florida is certainly one of the top in the country, so we knew that they were going to test us. So for us to come up really big against a team the caliber of Florida is awesome.” Prior to the meet, the Lady Vols who were (6-1, 3-1) on the season knew that it would take proper execution in all of their races to get the win.
Josh Huger is a graduate of Indiana University of PA. During his time as a student-athlete, Josh founded the website, Swimutopia whose mission is to bring the swimming community together.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Exciting Dual Meet Upsets Female #9 Tampa @ #14 Nova Southeastern December 3, 2011 Nova Southeastern 108.5 Tampa 96.5
#1 Georgia 145 @ #4 Texas 155 January 7, 2012
Nova headline: “Swimming and Diving Wins Battle of National Contenders Against Tampa. The Sharks collected several NCAA B-Cut qualifying times en route to two wins.
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Some of the exciting dual meets that took place in #9 Florida 162 vs. #7 Auburn 136, 2011-12. Needed: January 21, 2012 Competitive racing, excellent times for that point in the season and the occasional last relay. #22 Michigan 151.5 vs. #8 Indiana 148.5, January 7, 2012
Texas headline: “Texas knocks off No. 1 Georgia on senior day. Five seniors finish their home careers with a big win.”
Michigan headline: “Lohman's Victorious Dives Help Michigan Knock Off No. 8 Indiana
#8 Stanford 160.5 vs. #7 USC 139.5 January 28, 2012 Stanford headline: “Stanford Swimming Depth Enough to Beat USC. Schaefer sets pool record.”
Florida headline: “Seniors Finish In Style As Gators Swim Past Auburn In Home Finale.”
#10 Tennessee 178 vs. #2 Florida 120 January 28, 2012 Tennessee headline: “Lady Vol Seniors Shine in Win Over Florida.”
UCSB 117.5 @ Cal Poly 177.5! ! Columbia 173 @ Princeton 127 !
November 5, 2011 February 10, 2012 27
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Exciting Dual Meet Upsets Female
The Big Meet
by Ross Lannan February 11, 2012, Stanford, CA Three pool records would fall on this February afternoon at the Avery Aquatic Center in Stanford California as Teri McKeever and her number one ranked Golden Bears had their sights set on the last chapter to a perfect dual meet season. But Lea Maurer and the number eight ranked Stanford Cardinal planned on keeping their perfect home dual meet record alive for the sixth year in a row. Stanford quickly reminded the Golden Bears that ranking
is merely a number with a win in the 200 Medley Relay in a time of 1:37.95, the first of three new pool records! Andrea Taylor would help Stanford on the arduous path to take over the defending National Champions with a series of wins starting with the 1000 Free in a time of 9:49.28. Andrea Murez, Felicia Lee, and Mary Olsen would follow suit in the 200 Free, 100 Back (the second of three pool records) and 100 Breast respectively, helping Stanford widen the gap between the teams. First places are not everything in dual meets. Cal quietly continued to collect second and third place finishes keeping Stanford in their sights as Caitlin Leverenz was able to break Stanford’s run of victories with an
Dani Vernon/StanfordPhoto.com
astonishing win for the Golden Bears in the 200 fly by just under 5 seconds! Liv Jensen of Cal also helped shorten the gap with a win in the 50 Free. With three meter diving underway, California swimmers were regrouping as the pressure to beat their rivals was mounting as the number one seed took yet another hit from Stanford’s Stephanie Phipps who ....continued on page 31
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Exciting Dual Meet Upsets Male UCSB 134 vs. #19 UNLV 122, January 21, 2012
#16 North Carolina 166 vs. #12 Virginia 134 January 21, 2012 North Carolina headline: “UNC Men's Swimmers & Divers Down Virginia 166-134. Tar Heels score first win over Cavaliers since 2008.”
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Some of the exciting dual meets that took place in #10 University of Indianapolis 122 2011-12. Needed: vs #4 Grand Valley State 119, Competitive racing, January 21 2012 excellent times for that point in the season and the occasional last relay. Texas A&M 167.5 vs. #18 LSU 132.5 January 21, 2012
UC Santa Barbara headline: “Gauchos Cruise to Pair of Victories Over Visiting Rebels.”
TAMU: “Aggies down Tigers in Baton Rouge. The Texas A&M men's and women's swimming and diving teams pulled out a pair of road victories when they defeated LSU Saturday in Baton Rouge, La.”
#23 NC State 151.5 vs. #13 North Carolina 145.5 January 28, 2012 NC State headline: “No. 23 NC State Men's Swimming And Diving Defeats No. 13 UNC.”
Indianapolis headline: “SWIMMING AND DIVING SPLITS IN DUAL MEET AGAINST NO. 4 GRAND VALLEY STATE.”
Virginia 139 vs. Navy 159!! ! October 28, 2011 Saint Leo 151 vs. #11 Tampa 111 November 19, 2011 #3 Grand Canyon 146 vs. #1 UCSD 116 January 7, 2012 NC State 176 vs. #25 Florida State 122 January 14, 2012 #23 Minnesota 177 vs. #14 Missouri 120 January 15, 2012 #22 SMU 128 vs. #18 Texas A&M 115 January 27, 2012 Northwestern 188 vs. #25 Missouri 180 January 28, 2012 #22 SMU 128 vs. #18 Texas A&M 115 January 27, 2012 29
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Exciting Dual Meet Upsets Male
by Ross Lannan January 21, 2012, Gainesville, FL Saturday January 21st 2012 at the Stephan C. O’Connell Center Natatorium in Gainesville FL was a day of tense rivalry and the 2nd to last duel meet of the season before the coveted SEC Championships would begin. Taking place in Olympic long course fashion due to an Olympic year, it doesn't get much better then this in the college swimming world especially when it involves the no. 13
ranked Gators vs. the no. 7 ranked Tigers; two teams that sit in the limelight of the SEC and two teams that have produced multiple Olympic gold medalists. Needless to say but both teams were not only looking to secure more trials cuts, but they were also looking for a victory because the stakes were high and it was anyone’s day. 1M and 3M diving jumped off with Auburn in the lead after the two events, and things seemed to be in control on the Tigers side with a win in the 200 Medley Relay with a time of 1:42.84. Gregg Troy’s Gators stayed patient throughout the early round jabs and were able to secure a 1st and 2nd place win in the 800 Free Relay. Patience proved to be potent as Dan
University Athletic Association
Wallace, Connor Signorin, and Scott C. Heil took 1st through 3rd place respectively in the 200 Free for Florida before Kyle Owens and Max Murphy quickly struck back for Auburn in the 100 Back with a win and an Olympic Trials qualifying time of 57.07 for Owens. The 100 Breast went underway as Florida’s Matt Elliot touched with a winning time of 1:04.23 along with a trip to Omaha Nebraska.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Dual Meet Upsets continued The Big Meet continued from page 28
...impressed the judges thoroughly to earn first place, scoring far ahead of three Golden Bears. The first place would be her first ever win on 3-meter! California maintained their composure as they endured a 1-2 finish from Stanford in the 100 Free, and 200 Back. The Bears demonstrated hints of forthcoming greatness throughout the 200 Breast and 500 Free with huge wins in both events. As the meet was coming to an end, Stanford took their last 1-2 finish in the 100 Fly and things continued to look bleak for Cal as Stephanie Phipps once again came through with a win in 1 Meter diving to sweep both diving events of the day. But Caitlin Leverenz of California remained steadfast and in
Florida continued from page 30 Things seemed to be over for the Tigers as the 200 Fly finished with Florida taking the top three spots. Yet Brett Hawke would prove once again why sprinters from around the globe flock to the state of Alabama with a first place finish in the 50 Free and another Olympic Trials qualifying time of 23.27 followed by a 3rd and 4th place from the Tigers in the event. A first through third place finish in the 100 Free with yet another Olympic Trials qualifying time of 51.47 helped the Tigers bounce back. Auburn kept delivering in the 200 back with another astonishing first through third place finish and the eventual lead going into the final five events!
turn won the 200 IM with the last of three pool records in a time of 1:55.70. Stanford secured the meet victory with a win in the 400 Free Relay and officially gave the Golden Bears their only dual meet loss of the season. As Cal was departing, the
Stanford Cardinal could celebrate their triumphant overtaking of the number one team in the country with a 174-126 victory. Cal would have the final say as they not only captured the PAC 12 Championship but also defended their National Championship Title in the months ahead!
The Gators stayed strong and took the lead back with wins in the 200 Breast, 400 Free, 100 Fly and a one-two punch in the 200 IM. The meet wasn't over yet though. One of the most exciting events in college swimming and in international swimming was about to kick off, the 400 Free relay. Auburn needed a first and second place win to over take the Gators who only needed to secure 2nd place in the event after their late round onslaught. Auburn was able to secure the win in the event but slowly Auburn’s B relay was left behind by Florida’s A relay that managed to get 2nd place. The battle was won by Auburn but the war was won by Florida who celebrated with a 153-147 overtaking of the Tigers. An absolutely
amazing meet that came down to the final relay came to a close. In the coming weeks and with a dual meet win over Tennessee, Florida would celebrate yet again with an undefeated dual meet season. Ross Lannan is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. For the past two seasons, he has served as the assistant coach at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Ross was also named an ASCA fellow for 2011-12.
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Championship Performance-Female 1st NAIA title in 2012
Three straight titles for Coach Howell’s Eagles
Emory University 2012 NCAA Division III
Perfect in the CAA in ’12
Clean sweep of league awards for the Panthers
Florida International Univ. Sun Belt Conference meet
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12.
James Madison University
Fresno Pacific Univ. NAIA Championships
Cardinals successfully defend their title in ’12
University of Louisville Big East Championships
Colonial Athletic Association First ever conference championship in 2012
One point victory at national meet in 2012!
Dominating performance en route to ACC title
Nova Southeastern Sunshine State
University of Virginia Atlantic Coast Conference
Wayne State University 2012 NCAA Division II 32
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Championship Performance-Female
by Damion Dennis March 15-17, 2012, Auburn, AL
Two words come to mind when talking about Championship swimming, Golden Bears. This year, Teri McKeever and the Cal Bears joined elite company, becoming fifth program to win more than two third National Championships with their third title in the past four years! But this journey didn’t start in August and wasn’t built on the “just win” philosophy that has become famous with the Bay area. This historic run of championships started 20 years ago and the goal was to be the best team in the pool and in the classroom. The foundation started with robust goal setting, on a commitment to tradition and to being the best they can be 24/7. This program was built on supreme standards and being bold enough to
put in the work to achieve their best. The vision was to create a complete environment of excellence. This year at the NCAA Championships, the vision of a program “well built,” was clearly seen by everyone. The Cal Bears set the tone on the first day, racing their way to excellence. Coming into the meet, as defending National Champions, the target was definitely on their backs. They embraced that by putting it on their t-shirts! With everyone gunning for them, the Golden Bears stood their ground and provided an assault of their own. With a second place finish in the 200 Free Relay and scoring 2 in the 500 free, they were in a solid 2nd place to start the meet. The next three events came in Championship fashion, with the Bears taking
Tim Binning/Theswimpictures.com
control of the meet and never looked back. Caitlin Leverenz kicked off the Championship run winning the 200 IM with an NCAA record time of 1:51.77. Liv Jensen followed up with her own Championship performance winning the 50 free. Closing out the first day, the Bears were golden again, winning the 400 Medley Relay in NCAA record time. Day two started and the Champion Bears were right where they left off, as Champions, winning the 200 Medley Relay with another NCAA record and winning by more than a second! Cal scored in five of the next seven events with Leverenz finishing 2nd in the 400 IM, Sara Isakovic won the 100 fly and Cindy Tran won the 100 back. ....continued on next page ___
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Championship Performance Female they go from here? Graduating Four women scored in the 200 seniors, all who have been part of Free and three more followed in the their three historic Championships 100 breaststroke for a total of 11 individual scorers for the day. With a will be passing the torch on to next year’s team. Teri McKeever has second place finish in the 800 Free Relay, they clearly had their third title reloaded with some beyond talented athletes and the majority of the team in their sights. will be composed of underclassmen. Without scoring in the mile, Cal remained as cool as a cucumber in a The expectations are high, the goals are more robust then before and the bowl of hot sauce. Freshman target is bigger than ever. The Cal Melanie Klaren scored in the 200 Bears will move back and Liv Jensen forward and scored in the continue to 100 free, Cal “The Cal Bears set the focus on all was back on tone on the first day, the things that the board. helped them Caitlin Leverenz racing their way to become the returned Cal to excellence..... They best. They the top of the embraced the honor of will reinforce podium winning and refocus the 200 having the bull’s eye they on the breaststroke, literally put it on their timportance of narrowly shirts!” being missing the Champions NCAA record 24/7. They will by .01! The 200 continue to be committed to their fly is where the Golden Bears history and traditions that all of the switched from calling themselves women before them have created to defending National Champions to build this program. They will work Consecutive National Champions! as hard as the Golden Bears do, Scoring two in the event, the meet was over. Cal scored their first ever chasing that indescribable, emotional feeling that comes with diver with a fifth place finish on the Platform and securely closed out the being a Champion. Though Teri has a full schedule this summer where meet with the 400 Free relay. Overall, the National Champs scored the eyes of the world will be watching, there is an eagerness for in 13 of 17 individual events using next year’s collegiate season. We all 10 different athletes. Add five are anxious to see what the Champs individual Champions, two relay Champions and three NCAA records can do. (And for what they put on the back of their t-shirts!) to this year’s team accolades. Cal has found their Championship stride, winning three of the past four years. But where do
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Championship Performance-Male
Brilliant meet en route to top three finish Successfully defend their historic win
Denison University 2012 NCAA Division III
Big move into top ten
Their great run continues with number eight
Drury University 2012 NCAA Division II
“And Your Top Qualifiers� Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12.
University of Louisville 2012 NCAA Division I Consecutive champions in 2011 and now 2012.
Florida Southern 2012 NCAA Division II
Champions of a very fast Big East meet in 2012
Notre Dame University Big East Championships Freas: "You gotta believe in miracles,"
Record: XXXI
Nova Southeastern Sunshine State
Oklahoma Baptist Univ. 2012 NAIA Championships
Stanford University Pac 12 Championships 35
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Championship Performance-Male
by Damion Dennis March 22-24, 2012, Federal Way, WA
The changing of the college season is much like the beginning of a new story. It will have a different setting, different characters and new heroes emerging. As many tales go, there is a non-assuming almost forgotten individual who is called upon to embark on an adventure. On their journey, they enter into a world where they are forced to overcome adversities and face an epic battle
where the true essence of a hero emerges. The defending National Champion Cal Bears were that forgotten team this year. They were overlooked in nearly every NCAA preview and Season Outlook and were given little hope of defending their title. In the fall, they were a young team filled with innocent faces who were about to embark on a heroic journey, reminiscent of a young Luke Skywalker. After graduating a very talented Senior Class, the young Bears were faced with the burden of being National Champions. As they traveled on their path throughout the regular season, they were tested and would have to overcome adversity twice, suffering loses to conference
Tim Binning/Theswimpictures.com
foes. The Pac 12 Championships soon followed, where the embattled Bears engaged in a dogfight losing a tight battle in the last day. Like Luke in The Empire Strikes Back, they were forced to retreat and regroup. But as every hero does, they stayed the course and started to develop an internal identity that few on the outside saw. ....continued on page ___
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Championship Performance-Male The NCAA Championships provided the final test for the Cal Bears on their heroic journey. It proved to be the final threshold needed to shed their non-assuming exterior and let the true Champions shine through. With an all underclassmen relay, The Bears’ took the first shot by winning the 200 Free Relay and keeping their relay win streak alive stemming back to last years’s championships. After winning the “B’ final in the 500 free and slipping to second place overall, the Bears looked like their Championship run might be over before it started. Sophomore Marcin Tarczynski protected their title hopes and returned the Bears to the top of the podium, winning the 200 IM. Martin Liivamagi, Ben Hinshaw and Nolan Koon also scored in the event. The underclass contingency of Seth Stubblefield, Tyler Messerschmidt and Shayne Flemming all scored in the 50 free fifth, ninth and 13th places respectively. The Bears closed out the first day winning the 400 Medley Relay by more than 1.5 seconds! On the second day, the Empire took their own shots at the Bears,
handing them a second place finish in the 200 Medley relay thus ending their event win streak. The brothers Hinshaw both scored in the 400 IM and Tom Shields earned his first individual Championship in the 100 fly. Senior Mathias Gydesen finished seventh. Scoring two in the 200 free and four in the 100 breast, the Bears hardly looked like they were engaged in an epic battle. Tom Shields defended his 100 back National Championship while two of his teammates placed fifth and ninth, giving the Bears their biggest lead of the meet to this point. With a second place finish in the 800 Free Relay, the defending National Champs were steadily holding their ground. As the epic battle began its third day, the Golden Bears put up their toughest defenses scoring in the mile, two in the 200 back and one in the 100 free. Trevor Hoyt narrowly missed an individual championship of his own in the 200 breast with a 2nd place finish. Martin Liivamagi and Nolan Koon also scored in the Top 8. The 200 fly is where the defending champs completed their transformation on the Hero’s Journey. With the 1-2 finish of freshman Will Hamilton and star Tom Shields, the lead was over 80 points and there was no stopping the Bears from being National Champions. They completed the meet by racing to a second place finish in the 400 free relay showing you can never count out the champs. In all the two time National Champs score in every event. They were the only team that
had 18 athletes invited to the Championships and 14 were scorers with five of them being freshmen. They scored four individuals in an event twice – 200 IM and 100 breaststroke, three individuals in three different events each - 100 back, 200 breaststroke and 200 fly and two individuals in five different events - 50 free, 400 IM, 100 fly, 200 free and 200 back. They had four individual National Champions and two Relay National Champions. In the end, they were hardly a young timid team on the hero’s journey. They were National Champions! Though their team was composed of young talent, Dave Durden’s history of Championship success has to equate him to Yoda, teaching future teams the “secrets” of Championship swimming. As all stories do, they come to an end, opening the door for new ones to begin. In the fall, the story will start over and these heroes will again have to face the belly of the whale. As a fan, I am looking forward to seeing if we have a trilogy.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Assistant Coach of 2011-12 Female NCAA top 25 finish in ’12
SEC Conference Champs
Carol Capitani University of Georgia
Athletes at both M&W NCAA champs in 2012
Another Big East team title for the Cardinals
Rachel Komisarz University of Louisville
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12.
Matt Leach University of Wyoming
Sun Belt Conference Diving Coach of the Year
Chris Mantilla FIU DIVING
Kate Kovenock Notre Dame University
Another Big East team title for the Cardinals
Chris Lindauer University of Louisville
Second at Big10 along with 13th at 2012 NCAAs
Marie Marsman Indiana University
Several accolades including
a top 25 NCAA finish in ’12
Michael Sabala Columbia University 38
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Assistant Coach of 2011-12 Female
Kristen Cunnane
by Meaghan Murphy Kristen Cunnane’s journey with the California Golden Bears began in 2005 when she accepted an opportunity to work alongside Head Coach Teri McKeever while earning her Master’s Degree in Education at UC Berkeley through an NCAA Post Graduate scholarship. “The journey that has kept me here since then has been remarkable.” !Thanks to her passion and commitment,evident in the team’s success, Kristen was named Assistant Coach in April of 2007 and was further promoted to Associate Head Coach in December 2011. !In her time at CAL, Cunnane has helped the bears to three NCAA Championships and two
Conference Titles, both of which eluded the program previous to her arrival. ! When Kristen!talks about the impact the team, her athletes and Teri McKeever have had on her own life, it is easy to see that she is a leader by example.!“We make a commitment to our athletes to
Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com
help them in their journey of personal growth and we spend significant time in this arena.” ! Coach Cunnane emanates a sense of personal strength and fortitude that would inspire any young college athlete to achieve more than they ever thought possible. ! continued on page 42... !
“I believe I'm only as good and the people around me and I am fortunate enough to have worked with Kristen for longer than any other assistant. She supports me and challenges me and without her presence our athletes, our program and myself would not be accomplishing the same success.” Teri McKeever, Head Coach, University of California39 Berkeley
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Assistant Coach of 2011-12 Men’s Team
Repeat Champions
Matt Ense Denison University
Eight in a row for the Panthers of Drury.
Powerful NCAA meet
Harvey Humphries University of Georgia
“And Your Top Qualifiers” Also nominated and very worthy of national recognition, these programs made the top 8 for their overall outstanding achievements in 2011-12.
Jason Owen Drury University
Top NCAA finish since ’02
Matt Tallman Notre Dame University
PAC 12 Champions
Ted Knapp Stanford University First conference title
Repeat Champions
Rachel Schlatter Denison University
Back in the NCAA top ten in 2012
Mike Westphal Indiana University
Best season in program history
Ryan Wochomurka University of Louisville 40
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Assistant Coach of 2011-12 Men’s Team
Greg Meehan
by Meaghan Murphy Greg Meehan, Assistant Head Men’s Swimming Coach for the California Golden Bears is no stranger to championship swimming. From Princeton to the University of the Pacific, Meehan has left of success in his wake. !His talent was recognized and, like his swimmers, recruited for CAL. !“One day Dave [Head Coach Dave Durden] asked Kristen [Assistant Head Women’s Coach Kristen Cunnane] if she thought I’d be interested in coming to Cal to be his Assistant Coach. !The rest is history. !I am so incredibly grateful to both of them for bringing me and my family to Berkeley.” Coach Meehan approaches his coaching career with a high level professionalism and excellence that is
evident in the success of the athletes. ! He confidently walks the line between the supportive mentor and the hardlined authority figure.! “I feel as though I have a good perspective on what my role is as an assistant coach for Cal Men’s Swimming.! Sometimes, this allows me to have a more personal relationship with our student-athletes, sometimes this means I have to be the bad guy!! It really depends on each individual and how to help them as best I can."!As Meehan!describes!his work at CAL, it is clear that this his commitment and dedication to CAL is rooted in respect for his colleagues and athletes. Teamwork, a concept often applied to the realm of athletic success, is also a key component to any successful coaching staff. !Coach
Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com
Meehan, not only recognize the importance of working as a team, but wholeheartedly embraces it. !“!..The overlying theme is that Dave has a very clear vision for the program and I know how to fit into that vision.
GoldenBearSports.com
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Men’s team Assistant Coach continued CAL continued from page 42... After [morning] workout, one of my favorite times of the day is when I walk to Starbucks to get a refill with Head Coach Dave Durden and our Strength & Conditioning Coach Nick Folker. !It’s a nice way for Dave and I to recap the workout as well as get Nick’s perspective on how the guys are doing in the weight room. “ Coach Meehan expressed his experience at CAL best when he stated: “My four plus years at Cal have been the most rewarding of my professional career.! I have had the opportunity to get to know and work with incredible people within our Alumni Group, Athletic Department and Aquatics Family.! These relationships along with the great men I have the pleasure of coaching on a
daily basis have forever changed my coaching career.” Congratulations to Associate Head Coach Greg Meehan.
CUNNANE continued........
years in prison. !“I will never forget!!going to testify at the preliminary hearing less than 48 hours after we won the NCAA Championship in 2011 and [Teri] telling me outside of the courthouse, ‘Just remember what we just did...hang on to that.’ !For this fight, Teri has been my coach.” !As Kristen tells the story of the time leading up the conviction, there is no doubt that the concept of teamwork permeates CAL’s environment !It is particularly evident in the relationship between Coach McKeever and Coach Cunnane. !“Teri has walked every inch of this battle
Her ease and compassion stems from her own experience in confronting a past trauma that would have left many alone and silent. !“For me, coaching!at CAL, being with the team, and working with Teri, I have grown strong enough to accept the reality of my past.” ! As an adolescent, Kristen was the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of her coach and P.E. teacher. !The abuse lasted for three years. !In December 2011, nearly 10 years later, Coach Cunnane watched as her abuser was sentenced to 8
Meaghan Murphy coaches the Ridgewood YMCA Breakers swimming team (NJ.) She also operates the website Coachmegswim.com providing professional coaching for adult swimmers. Meaghan is a graduate of Villanova University and is currently serving as an ASCA Fellow for 2011-12.
Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com
with me. !As I hope to help her break barriers as the first female Olympic Head Coach, she has helped me break my own barriers in speaking out.” Coach Cunnane’s personal accomplishments off deck simply demonstrate the integrity and authenticity she brings to her swimmers.! “My job at CAL is to help my athletes see what they want to accomplish, envision who they want to become, and help them believe that they are capable of personal greatness.! Then….I hold them accountable.” ! Congratulations to Associate Head Coach Kristen Cunnane!
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
more Author profiles Casey Barrett (right) competed for both Southern California and SMU in addition to competing in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. He remains deeply involved in the sport of swimming on several fronts. He is a cofounder for Imagine Swimming; a learn-to-swim school in New York City. You can read more of Casey’s work at http://capandgoggles.com/
Chris DeSantis (below) is a graduate of Colby College in Maine.! He is currently the assistant coach at Georgia Tech University.! Chris also is a very active online contributor to the sport of swimming and diving and currently oversees the website, The Swim Brief at http:// www.swimbrief.net/
Damion Dennis (pictured left) is a graduate of Western Illinois University. He recently completed his fourth season as the assistant coach at West Virginia University. This is his second year contributing to this publication.
Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com
The Vote: Did we get it right? Two voting mechanisms were offered in 2012. People were able to cast their vote amongst nominees in several of the available categories. New and specifically in 2012 was the online survey which was made available shortly after the nomination window closed on April 30th. In 2012-13, the nomination process will be made available even sooner. At the time this publication was going to print, almost 500 people had completed the online survey. The following pages provide a comparison for each voting category within the 2012 College Swimming & Diving Honors.
More on the Vote: How come the honoree is not the top vote getter? This is an excellent question. The honest answer is that with the vote being new and not knowing the outcome, it was determined that the vote would be used as a guideline to support the research into each category. Another part of the vote is that different athletes were in the lead at different times when the vote was open. In some categories, the lead never changed as was the case with both men and women of Cal-Berkeley for championship performance. Other categories saw multiple leaders that changed every couple days. The closest vote was for female career improvement. Jennifer Connolly of Tennessee and Shelley Harper of California were never more than a few votes apart with the lead changing constantly between two very deserving people.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
FEMALE Break Out Athlete of the 2011-12 Season:
HONOREE: Stephanie Peacock, North Carolina (left) TOP VOTE GETTER: Kate Meili, Columbia University (right) TOP WRITE-IN ATHLETE: Brye Ravettine, Liberty University
MALE Break Out Athlete 2011-12 Season:
HONOREE: Tom Glenn Brown University (left) TOP VOTE GETTER: Frank Dyer (right) Notre Dame University TOP WRITE-IN ATHLETE: Marcin Tarzcynski California-Berkeley
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
FEMALE Career Improvement Class of 2012:
HONOREE: Jennifer Connolly Tennessee TOP VOTE GETTER: Jennifer Connolly TOP WRITE-IN ATHLETE: Karlee Bispo Texas
MALE Career Improvement Class of 2012:
HONOREE: Drew Modrov Rider & Auburn Universities
TOP VOTE GETTER: Nolan Koon California-Berkeley TOP WRITE-IN ATHLETE: Steve Cebertowicz North Carolina 45
FEMALE Break Out Team 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors 2011-12 Season:
HONOREE: University of Tennessee, Coach Matt Kredich TOP VOTE GETTER: Texas A&M University, Coach Steve Bultman TOP WRITE-IN TEAM: Columbia University, Coach Diana Caskey
MALE Break Out Team 2011-12 Season:
HONOREE: University of Louisville, Coach Arthur Albiero TOP VOTE GETTER: California-Berkeley Coach David Durden TOP WRITE-IN TEAM: Texas A&M University Coach Jay Holmes 46
FEMALE Most Exciting Dual Meet 2011-12 Season: 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors HONOREE:
Tennessee 178, Florida 120. “1st win over UF in 25 seasons” 1/28/2012
TOP VOTE GETTER: #8 Stanford 174, #1 California 126. “Stanford wins the 2012 edition of "The Big Meet." 2/4/2012
TOP WRITE-IN: Columbia 173 @ Princeton 127 February 10, 2012
MALE Most Exciting Dual Meet 2011-12 Season: HONOREE & TOP VOTE: Texas 149.5 @ Michigan 150.5. “Kyle Whitaker comes from behind to win 200 IM and put the Wolverines in position to win meet.” 11/5/2011
TOP WRITE-IN: Virginia 139 @ Navy 159 October 28, 201147
FEMALE Best Dual Meet Upset 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors 20 11-12 Season: HONOREE & TOP VOTE: #8 Stanford 174, #1 California 126. “Stanford wins the 2012 edition of "The Big Meet." 2/4/2012
TOP WRITE-IN: Columbia 173 @ Princeton 127 February 10, 2012
MALE Best Dual Meet Upset 20 11-12 Season: HONOREE: #13 Florida defeats #7 Auburn 153-147. January 21 2012 TOP VOTE: #23 NC State upsets #13 North Carolina 151.5-145.5, January 28, 2012
TOP WRITE-IN: Virginia 139 @ Navy 159 October 28, 2011 48
Championship Performance 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors FEMALE 20 11-12 Season: HONOREE & TOP VOTE: California-Berkeley, @2012 NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Championships
TOP WRITE-IN: Five tied with one vote each
Championship Performance MALE 20 11-12 Season: HONOREE & TOP VOTE: California-Berkeley, @2012 NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Championships
TOP WRITE-IN: Columbia University @2012 Ivy League Swimming & Diving Championships 49
Assistant Coach of the Year 2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors WOMEN’s TEAM 20 11-12 Season: HONOREE: Coach Kristen Cunnane California-Berkeley
TOP VOTE: Coach Michael Sabala Columbia University TOP WRITE-IN: Fernando Rodriguez College of William & Mary
Assistant Coach of the Year MEN’s TEAM 20 11-12 Season: HONOREE & TOP VOTE: Coach Greg Meehan California-Berkeley
TOP WRITE-IN: Thad Schultz Penn State University 50
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Wisdom in the Weight Room: The Enlightened Outlook of Cal Strength Coach Nick Folker
by Casey Barrett Picture two swimmers. One, thick and full of muscle, moves through the water like a freight train. The other is thin and flexible, his stroke slices through water like a knife. They swim the same event; they're about the same speed. Because of these surface similarities, at most programs they will go to the weight room and do same thing. Never mind the glaring fact that these two swimmers could not be more different. Enter Nick Folker, Cal Berkeley's clear thinking strength coach. First thing you need to know about him: Unlike virtually every other strength coach in the NCAA, Folker was a swimmer himself. And a damn good one. He
was an Olympian for his native South Africa back in 2000. At the University of Hawaii, he was a 4time NCAA All-American. Which is a long way of saying that this is one strength coach who actually grasps what swimmers need. But here's the most important thing you need to know about Folker and his outlook: It's not just about what swimmers as a whole need. It's about what each individual body needs. Talk to anyone about Cal Berkeley's amazing success in recent years and his name comes up in every conversation. Teri McKeever and Dave Durden have received heaps of well deserved
credit for guiding their programs to the top, however, those in the know say that it's Folker who's been adding their not-so-secret sauce. He's doing it with a holistic approach that takes the time to understand every athlete and designing individualized weight programs for every young man and woman on the team. When I spoke to him about his success, my first thought was this: Wow, how I wish you were around when I was swimming! My NCAA experience was pretty typical when it came to the weight room. I was dubious about its benefits (most of my worst-ever workouts came right after lifting...), and I couldn't
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Wisdom in the Weight Room continued from page 51... help but notice that the well meaning guys designing our weight workouts had no real understanding of what we needed. Folker concurs: "A lot of strength coaches do a great job writing workouts to make you stronger, but not in a way that relates to the water." Which is really the point, right?
record boards. He could care less who can bench or squat the most. In fact, he recognizes that caring about such things is counterproductive. "One of the things I've had to fight with is the constant need for numbers - proof of increased strength. We don't need that. I don't see the value in it. It can create injury, wastes time, and misses the point."
At Cal, Folker does not work with the "revenue sports" at all. He is strictly devoted to aquatics - the men's and women's swimming and water polo squads. Almost everywhere else, it's just a fact of life that these no-incomeproducing water sports come a distant second to the football and basketball programs. "It's not that they don't care about you," says Folker, "it's just that swimmers aren't a priority in most weight rooms."
Go back to those two swimmers I mentioned. One is named Nathan Adrian, the other is named Anthony Ervin - they're two of the fastest sprinters in America today. Folker works with both of them on a daily basis. They might be similar in their scorching speed, but their weight workouts have little in common. "Nathan is a power-based swimmer, while Tony is a finesse guy. You're dealing with different body types. It's about what each needs to be his best."
Contrast that to Berkeley, where their strength coach knows the difference between long axis and short axis strokes - how they differ and what they need. "Once your stabilizers shut down in swimming, it doesn't matter how strong you are," says Folker. "I'm not interested in how much, but in how it relates to your swimming." The focus is on the numbers on the clock, in the pool, not on the numbers tossed up in the weight room. With that in mind, Folker committed weight room sacrilege at Cal: He took down the
Instead of cookie cutter weight workouts based around best events, this year at Cal there were 25 different workouts for 25 different swimmers on their NCAA winning men's team. Their heralded freshmen class received special treatment too. "All our freshmen do something different from the rest of the team," says Folker. "Because they're not ready for it. They're not allowed to max out at anything during their first six weeks of school. There's a big risk of injury."
If all of this sounds like a refreshing statement of the obvious, Folker agrees. "There's nothing really secretive about what we've created," he says. "You still have to implement it." Easier said than done, as few programs have the resources and open-minded thinking of a Cal Berkeley. But even if other schools cannot accommodate a strength coach devoted solely to aquatics, there are loads of ways to implement what Folker is doing at Cal. In fact, his athletic department has encouraged him to get out there and share his wisdom with other schools. He's recently consulted with a host of midmajors, with Ivy League programs, with the Universities of Indiana and Utah, to name a few. Folker recognizes that the NCAA remains the principle development system for so many of the world's top swimmers. He also sees the ways that system is failing its top athletes. "The US might be the powerhouse in world swimming," he notes. "But your feeder program is not being taken care of." A South African Olympian with an enlightened way of thinking about weights is taking care of things out at Cal. And he's lifting his swimmers to new heights.
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Well Said in 2011 12 “Here’s what it comes down to: If you earn nothing and yet consider yourself entitled to all the spoils — scholarships, travel, private locker rooms, and the rest of those intangibles that so many swimmers consider birthrights — if you feel you’re entitled to all this and generate nothing in return, at some point, someone is going to come looking for you. With a knife. So, how to avoid the assassin? There is a way. It’s not too complicated either. It comes down to the simple wisdom learned (the hard way or not) by anyone who’s ever held a job, didn’t want to lose it, and hoped to be promoted… Three words: Make Yourself Indispensable. Make the people who pay your way actually give a shit about you. Make them think, no, truly believe, that they cannot do without you.” CASEY BARRETT, taken from Pay Your Way. Full article can be found on the website Cap & Goggles! CHUCK WARNER: “Going into the final of the 400 free relay at the [1981] North Coast Championships Campolindo‘s fastest four swimmers best times in the 100-yard freestyle were 46, 47, 48 and 51. Matt’s [Biondi] was the one with a 51. The team was going to swim next to Terra Linda High School, their top competition for winning the race. [Coach] Stu [Kahn] knew that Matt was a great competitor and put him last. Matt swam to an incredible split of 48+ on that anchor leg, but it wasn’t quite fast enough to pull out the victory. Terra Linda won the race by just 7-hundredths of a second (3:10.22 to 3:10.29). The skinny sophomore stayed in the pool for nearly ten minutes hanging on the
gutter in disappointment. Finally Matt pulled himself out and walked over to his coach and sternly said, “Stu, that will never happen again.” Matt was a man of his word. Matt Biondi went on to become one of the greatest relay swimmers in the history of swimming winning virtually every close race for the rest of career in high school, college and for the United States. In 1986 he split 40.98 on the Cal Berkeley 400 medley relay── in a brief suit and with no cap.” From the book “…AND THEY WON GOLD: Stepping Stones To Swimming Excellence – Volume I” PETER SCHMUCK, Baltimore Sun: “Even during a rebuilding season,
men's basketball clearly is king at the University of Maryland, which is why Comcast Center was packed & ESPN was on hand for the Terps' scrappy, near-miss performance against No. 5 North Carolina on Saturday. Just a few hundred yards away in the Eppley Recreation Center Natatorium, a much more intimate group of fans watched the Maryland swimming & diving team dominate Georgetown on Senior Day & went home wondering whether they would ever be back. So goes the eternal tug-of-war between the big-revenue college sports that build glitzy arenas & the high-graduation programs that make a school proud but don't make it any money. February 4, 2012
Lynn Sherr: “To enter the water-whether the blue box of a pool or the untamed currents of the sea-is to see the world through a shimmering film.” taken from her new book titled Swim:
Why We Love the Water, 2012.
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2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Career Improvement grids JENNIFER CONNOLLY: HIGH SCHOOL PR 2007-08
2008-09 Freshman
2009-10 Sophomore
2010-11 Junior
2011-12 Senior
Improvement
50 FREE
:23.45
:22.74
:22.98
:22.42
:22.19
:01.26
100 FLY
:53.91
:52.83
:52.76
:51.64
:51.21
:02.70
100 BACK
:53.53
:51.34
:52.10
:51.39
:51.37
:02.16
200 BACK
2:05.32
1:54.41
1:55.84
n/l
1:54.55
:10.77
DREW MODROV: HIGH SCHOOL PR 2007-08
2008-09 Freshman
2009-10 Sophomore
2010-11 Junior
2011-12 Senior
Improvement
50 FREE
:20.91
:20.45
:19.73
:19.41
:19.32
:01.59
200 FREE
1:46.10
1:42.63
1:39.07
1:37.73
1:35.89
:10.21
100 FREE
:46.31
:45.39
:44.26
:43.24
:42.90
:03.41
Drew Modrov completed the first two seasons of his career at Rider University (Coach Steve Fletcher) before Auburn University.
Other notable numbers from around college swimming and diving in 2011-12.
236 Combined total of years coaching at respective school for Jim Richardson (27 years,) Bob Sorensen (32 years,) Skip Kenney & Laura Seibold-Caudill (33 years each,) Mary Bretscher, Tim Powers & Jim Steen (37 years each.) Congratulations to all for their commitment.
!
31
Consecutive conference championships by Stanford University men’s swimming and diving program. The next longest winning streak at the conference level in Division I is held by both Auburn (SEC) and Texas (Big XII.)
40 In 2011-12, Boston College’s Tom Groden completed his 40th season as the head coach for the Eagles program. Groden took over in 1972 and is the only coach in the school’s history. His New England neighbor, Rhode Island’s Mick Westkott is one year behind at 39 for URI. 54
2011-12 College Swimming & Diving Honors
Noteworthy The followings programs were nominated for at least one category Alaska-Fairbanks-Women American University-M&W Auburn University-M&W Brigham Young University-Men Boise State University-Women Boston College-M&W Bowling Green-Women Brown University-M&W California-Berkeley-Men California-Berkeley-Women California Univ. of PA-Women Columbia University-Women Denison University-Men Drury University-M&W Duke University-Men Florida International Univ-M&W Florida Southern University-Men Grand Canyon University-M&W Grand Valley State-Men Indiana University-M&W James Madison Univ.-Women Kenyon College-Men Lake Erie College-Men Liberty University-Women Loyola College-Women Indian River State College-Men Indiana University-M&W New York University-M&W North Carolina State Univ.-Men Northwestern University-Women Notre Dame University-M&W Nova Southeastern Univ.-M&W Ohio State University-Men Ohio University-Women Penn State University-Men Princeton University-Men Queens University-M&W Saint Leo University-Men Southern Connecticut-Women Springfield College-Women Stanford University-Men
Stanford University-Women Susquehanna University-M Texas A&M University-Men Texas A&M University-Women Trinity University (TX)-Women US Naval Academy-M&W University of Alabama-M University of Arizona-M University of Florida-M&W University of Georgia-M&W University of Illinois-Women University of Indianapolis-Men University of Louisville-M&W University of Michigan-Men University of Michigan-Women University of Minnesota-Men University of North Carolina-M&W UNC-Wilmington-Men University of Pennsylvania-Men University of San Diego-M&W University Southern California-W University Southern California-M University of Tennessee-Women University of Texas-Men University of Texas-Women University of Toledo-Women University of Virginia -Men University of Wisconsin-Men University of Wyoming-Women Wayne State University-Women West Virginia University-Women William & Mary-Men Wisconsin-Lacrosse-Women Dedicated this year to an extraordinary group of now-retired coaches (see back cover clockwise from upper left): Coach Jim Steen, Kenyon College, 37 years, photo credit: Amelia Armstrong. Laura Seibold-Caudill, Ball State University, 33 years, photo: Ball State Media Relations.
Coach Skip Kenney, Stanford University, 33 years. Photo credit: Richard C. Ersted /stanfordphoto.com Coach Tim Powers, Brigham Young University, 37 years. Coach Bob Sorensen, New York University, 32 years. Photo: NYU Sports Information. Coach Mary Bretscher, DePauw University, 37 years. Photo: DePauw Sports Information. Coach Jim Richardson, University of Michigan, 27 years. Publications notes Awards versus honors. Despite the title of the website, the current objective is to honor many of the outstanding efforts and accomplishments relevant to the 2011-12 season. In future years, the goal will be to go beyond recognition. In 2012-13, a notification by email will be sent out to all collegiate head coaches in the fall announcing the nomination process. The nomination process will be open for much of the coming season to make it most convenient. Visit the following site to learn more, www.collegeswimmingawards.com Special thank you to the following for their support and guidance. Casey Barrett, ImagineSwimming Tim Binning,TheSwimPictures.com Damion Dennis, West Virginia Univ. Chris DeSantis, Georgia Tech Univ. Josh Huger, Swimutopia.com Ross Lannan, Bryant University Meaghan Murphy, Ridgewood YMCA Michael Litzinger, North Carolina Univ. See website for full list
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Richard C. Ersted / stanfordphoto.com
PROFILES IN EXCELLENCE: Congratulations to our newly retired coaches!